Say something like this:

“This week our chapter is an introduction to Hikaru, who is our allegory for Jesus. You’ll notice in this chapter that we’re introduced to a character who feels the weight of responsibility. This might feel a little different to our expectations of Jesus. What comes to mind when you think about Jesus?”

A representation of Jesus: Hikaru looks into the future and sees the path ahead.

Discussion Questions:

(As ever, use the questions most suited to your group.)

• What stuck out most prominently to you in the story?

• Are you able to describe the connections between characters?

• What did this video say about the characters Ningen and Miyako?

• What do you think Hikaru’s powers mean for his character?

• Who do you think Hikaru represents?

• Hikaru sees what’s coming and feels the weight of it. Can you think of a time Jesus might have felt like this? (e.g., in the garden of Gethsemane – Luke 22:39–46)

Split into pairs or small groups. Give each group one or more of the following stories to read and discuss. These are just examples—you may choose others that reveal something amazing about Jesus. Start by asking the young people what they already know about Him.

Suggested Bible passages:

• Matthew 14:22–33 – Jesus walks on water

• Mark 8:22–25 – Jesus heals a blind man

• Luke 11:1–13 – Jesus teaches how to pray

• John 11:38–44 – Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead

Provide each young person with a luggage tag and pen. After reading the passage, ask them to write what they’ve learned about Jesus on the tag. Collect all the tags and thread them onto a sturdy string or rope to form a loop.

This loop will visually represent how everything about Jesus is connected. Keep it safe—it's needed again next session.

You’ll know what suits your group best. Begin by asking for prayer requests. You could also encourage them to pray for each other.

Prayer ideas:

• Celebrate the amazing things Jesus has done—His power, compassion, and love.

• Ask God to help the young people understand who Jesus really is.

• Pray that they experience Jesus as real and present in their daily lives.

Thank God for all we’ve discovered about Jesus today. Next week, we’ll go deeper—exploring how Jesus isn’t just amazing, but personal and present in our lives right now.